Chapter 9 Section 2 Feudalism
Invasions of Europe
Carolingian Empire began to fall apart soon after Charlemagne’s death in 814 Divided among he grandsons into three major parts Invasions = disintegration of the empire Muslims attacked the southern coasts of Europe and France Magyars (people from western Asia) settled in Hungary and invaded western Europe
Chris Browne The Vikings
Great love of adventure & spoils of war Warriors, great shipbuilders and sailors Long and narrow dragon ships carried 50 men The design of the ships allowed them to sail up European rivers and attack places far inland
Viking Longship
Able to sail up shallow rivers or on the high seas
Viking Raid
4 Given lands in France (Normandy) and converted to Christianity which made them a part of European civilization
Viking Settlement in Greenland
Viking Farm in Iceland 33
Viking Burial Ground 34
Feudalism Developed from a need to protect themselves against the Vikings and other invaders Centralized governments were unable to defend their subjects People turned to local aristocrats and nobles who were powerful enough to protect them in return for a service
Vassalage Vassal – man who served a lord in a military capacity Knight – heavily armed cavalry Lords gave vassals a piece of land for their family in exchange for fighting for them
The Feudal Contract Lord/vassal relationship was made official in a public ceremony Vassal performed an act of homage to his lord Fief – the land given to the vassal Vassals could have their own vassals & the system became very complicated
The Feudal Pyramid
The Nobility of the Middle Ages Nobles – kings, dukes, barons, & bishops –Had large estates and considerable political, economic, and social power Great lords and ordinary knight = common group within the aristocracy –Warriors, united by knighthood
Tournaments Contests where knights could show their fighting skills “A knight cannot distinguish himself in war if he has not trained for it in tourneys.”
Knight 1180
Evolution of Armor 1476
TournamentTournament
JoustJoust
Chivalry Code of ethics that knights were supposed to uphold Knight were expected to: –Defend the Church –Defend those who are defenseless –Treat captives as honored guests –Fight only for glory and not for material rewards
Aristocratic Women Could legally hold property, but most remained under the control of men Because the lord was often away, managed the estate: –Officials & servants –Financial accounts –Food supply
Eleanor of Aquitane Married Louis VII of France at age 15 (annulled) and later Henry II of England Two of her sons were kings (Richard and John)